Carmen is a Spanish name, though its origin is Hebrew. It comes from the name Carmel; this is the name of a mountain near what is now Haifa, in north-western Israel. In Hebrew Carmel means "garden" or "orchard." The mountain was often visited or inhabited by early Christian hermits; these eventually formed the first order of Carmelite monks (later there were also nuns.) The name is still sometimes used, especially by Roman Catholics; another variant is Carmela.
Carmen may also have a connection with the Latin word Carmen, or "song." It has been a famous name internationally ever since the success of Bizet's 19th century opera "Carmen" about a beautiful, wilful Gipsy girl who inspires tragic passion and rivalry in two men. Later famous Carmens include the late singer Carmen Miranda and the actress Carmen Silvera. There is no masculine equivalent.
The name "Cara" looks similar but in fact comes from the Italian word for "dear" or "beloved."
Carmen may also have a connection with the Latin word Carmen, or "song." It has been a famous name internationally ever since the success of Bizet's 19th century opera "Carmen" about a beautiful, wilful Gipsy girl who inspires tragic passion and rivalry in two men. Later famous Carmens include the late singer Carmen Miranda and the actress Carmen Silvera. There is no masculine equivalent.
The name "Cara" looks similar but in fact comes from the Italian word for "dear" or "beloved."
